Teaching Kids Boundaries And Consent

Teaching Kids About Boundaries and Consent

Parents seem to dread teaching kids about boundaries and consent because they fear the idea of bringing up sex, as if teaching kids boundaries and consent will make them more sexually active, but this is not the case. While discussions about boundaries and consent might involve sexuality, it doesn’t have to when teaching boundaries and consent to younger children. Teaching kids boundaries and consent doesn’t have to involve bringing up sex. Instead you can talk to your child about boundaries and consent and focus on bodily autonomy. 

So when is the right time to talk to your child about consent and boundaries. You can start these conversations with your child from birth. Teaching kids boundaries and consent can be a part of basic learning concepts, like taking turns or sharing. You can start off with simple things, such as explaining what you're doing with their bodies when you change their diaper, whether they want to get a hug from a classmate or whether they want to play a game. This lays the groundwork for understanding sexual relationships. It teaches kids that we don't touch another person's body without consent. Teaching kids about boundaries and consent can keep kids safe from child predators. 

Teaching kids about boundaries should be a part of a child’s education. Teaching about boundaries will help to empower kids to take ownership of their bodies early on, and when it comes to consent and boundaries, it is all about respecting people’s boundaries and their bodies.

If you would like to read articles or ask questions about teaching kids about boundaries and consent or teaching about sexual harassment, check out www.thefeministparent.com/. The Feminist Parent offer articles, opinions and ideas about how to increase your kid’s consciousness about these subjects.